Delran Business Association member Joe Chascsa has been collecting suits for U.S. soldiers for the last four years. Over the course of that time, his efforts have grown exponentially. However, for Chascsa, the goal is to always give more.
Chascsa began donating and collecting suits when he became a part of the Farmers Insurance Company. The organization developed the Suits for Soldiers campaign to help soldiers transitioning from active duty to civilian life. While Chascsa struggled in his first year, he soon begin collecting suits by the hundreds and helping a great deal of veterans.
“The campaign came from the idea that the men and women who serve in the military don’t join it to become millionaires,” said Chascsa. “They do it for the love of their country. God bless them, but when their time to serve is up and they head into civilian life, we want to help provide them with the attire that could get them a job. To help the transition. We can do something to ease their financial burden.”
According to Chascsa, the idea to show appreciation to those who served in the military is something he wanted to be a part of. However, in year one, things didn’t necessarily go as planned. Chascsa was only able to collect two suits.
After a year of thinking about how to make the next collection better, Chascsa sought help from three locations in Delran and Cinnaminson. Chascsa provided drop-off boxes at the Delran Municipal Building located on Chester Avenue, Chick-fil-A on Fairview Boulevard, and St. Charles Borromeo in Cinnaminson. Chascsa went from collecting only two suits to 200 suits.
“I was really happy for the soldiers we were helping out,” said Chascsa. “I was really proud of the community. I was so happy that those three locations helped. I was also really proud of the people who donated. It was one of those feel-good moments and a reminder that there are a lot of good people around here.”
In year three, Chascsa enlisted the help of a fourth location, the Calvary Church in Delran. The four locations once again helped Chascsa collect a big number, this time collecting 300 suits. Another proud moment and another reminder of the number of good people.
This year, the campaign will run from Oct. 18 to Nov. 30. Each location will once again be collecting for the cause, however, Chascsa will once again be looking to expand his efforts. Those interested in becoming a drop-box location can email Chascsa at jchascsa@farmersagent.com or visit his website at www.farmersagent.com/jchascsa.
“The plan is to beat last year’s record,” said Chascsa. “I’m curious to see how it turns out. Last year, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I thought most people donated their suits the second year, but I’m optimistic. I think we can beat last year.”
